Meet Greg Pickens: Shaping JELD-WEN’s fiber engineering through collaboration and craft

Greg Pickens, director of fiber group engineering at JELD‑WEN, has spent 26 years shaping the fiber operations that support the company’s manufacturing network. Though he prefers to “fly under the radar,” his work has become foundational to how JELD‑WEN improves efficiency, reduces waste and solves complex challenges on the plant floor. Greg is known for his steady leadership, deep technical expertise and genuine appreciation for the people who make manufacturing work.

Early Career Foundations

Today, Greg helps lead fiber engineering efforts from JELD-WEN's headquarters in Klamath Falls, Oregon, but his engineering journey began half a world away. One of his first professional experiences took him to Malaysia, where he helped build a door skin plant. The project was centered on finding productive use for the company’s waste materials.

“That was a great first step for me,” he said. “To build a door skin plant right out of the gate really set the tone for everything that came after.”

When he returned home, he reached out to JELD‑WEN with a simple, direct message: “You guys make door skins. Maybe we should talk.” That conversation marked the beginning of a career that has now spanned more than two decades.

Building Plants, Building Expertise, Building Trust

After joining JELD-WEN in 2000, Greg quickly became involved in major fiber plant construction projects that helped expand the company's manufacturing capabilities and shape his career in fiber engineering.

One of his earliest and most defining projects was the construction of the Latvia fiber plant between 2004 and 2006. “The first plant I built with JELD‑WEN was in Latvia,” he explained. “That project really solidified my place in fiber engineering.”

The experience proved to be a turning point, providing valuable hands-on knowledge and setting the stage for future opportunities. Greg later played a key role in building the Louisiana fiber plant from 2006 to 2008, helping strengthen JELD-WEN's fiber manufacturing footprint in North America.

Greg's path into leadership was shaped by years of consistent performance, problem-solving, and a willingness to support teams wherever they needed help. Over time, those qualities made him the natural choice for guiding fiber engineering across the company.

What Leadership Looks Like in Fiber Group Engineering

Greg's role often extends beyond traditional engineering, supporting plants wherever they need help most.

“Sometimes it’s engineering,” he explained. “Sometimes it’s helping them find a part that’s hard to find. Sometimes it’s management or organizational assistance. Whatever the plants need, that’s what we do.”

He collaborates daily with engineers, fabricators, machinists, electricians, and plant services personnel.  Through his collaboration, he has also developed a strong sense of appreciation and respect for the many teams he works with. 

Greg sees his role as supporting the people who keep production moving. “We don’t make windows or doors,” he said, “but we work in these plants to help address any problems on the plant floor.”

Proudest Moment Rooted in Teamwork

When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Greg says, “I’m proudest to be part of a dedicated team that helps JELD‑WEN plants increase efficiency, reduce waste and reduce cost.”

He calls himself a “one‑trick pony,” having spent his entire JELD‑WEN career in fiber. But that “one trick” has supported countless improvements across the company.

“It’s an outstanding group of people to work with,” he said. “And I’ve always appreciated the strong relationships across the team. The close partnership between Operations and Engineering creates an environment where collaboration comes naturally and helps us achieve better results together.”

The Person Behind the Engineer

For all his technical expertise and leadership, Greg’s life outside of work is just as hands-on. When he’s not supporting fiber operations, you’ll often find him on a lake or river, in his workshop building something new in what he proudly calls his “mancave,” or tending to the horses on his ranch.

There’s one fun fact most people don’t know about Greg, which is that at six-years-old he was the calf‑riding cowboy champion.

These personal passions, craftsmanship, the outdoors and a lifelong connection to ranch life, mirror the qualities that define his leadership at JELD‑WEN: steady, hardworking and rooted in authenticity.

A Career Defined by People, Purpose, and Problem‑Solving

Greg’s story isn’t about chasing recognition. It’s about showing up, solving problems, and building relationships that last. His work is woven into the fabric of JELD‑WEN’s fiber operations, reflected in the plants he supports and the teams he collaborates with every day.

“I’m proud to work with this group of talented folks,” he said. “It’s one of the reasons I’ve been here for 26 years.”